MAN, Hyundai to Develop LPG Dual-fuel Engines

MAN Diesel & Turbo said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hyundai Heavy Industries Engine & Machinery Division (HHI-EMD) for the development and production of MAN B&W ME-LGIP dual-fuel engines. Upon completion, HHI-EMD will be able to deliver liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuelled, two-stroke-propulsion engines.

With the MoU, LPG joins the list of liquid, environmentally-friendly fuels that can power MAN Diesel & Turbo’s portfolio of two-stroke, dual-fuel engines, which are available from all licensees.

In much the same class as liquefied natural gas (LNG), LPG is an eminently environmentally-friendly fuel and an LPG-fuelled engine will significantly reduce emissions, enabling vessels to meet the stringent IMO SOx emission regulations due to come into force globally from 2020.

“LPG holds great potential as a fuel since it contains no sulphur, is widely available, and easy to bunker. It is therefore becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to other, low-sulphur fuel types,” said Bjarne Foldager – Vice President Sales & Promotion, Two-Stroke Business at MAN Diesel & Turbo.

In addition, MAN Diesel & Turbo said LPG’s future as a viable fuel for marine transportation looks promising as it will not require as large an investment in infrastructure – such as bunkering facilities – in contrast to other, gaseous fuels. Accordingly, the engine manufacturer expects a strong demand for LGIP engines for very large gas carriers (VLGCs) and coastal vessels from their introduction.

MAN Diesel & Turbo said it has received requests from many LPG carrier operators to develop an LPG-fuelled engine that could power LPG carriers in the most viable, convenient and economical way using a fraction of the LPG cargo already onboard.

“MAN Diesel & Turbo has previously experienced strong market interest in using LPG as a fuel aboard LPG carriers, but other shipping segments have also begun investigating this option, a general tendency that is growing,”Foldager said.